Boy Wizard

A few months before Christmas I ordered Henry his first present, the fully illustrated edition of Harry Potter. You might remember I shared a picture of it when it came it because, well, because I instantly fell in love with this thing.

But, I guess that's not really a big surprise. I love everything to do with Harry Potter. EVERYTHING. So as you can imagine, I was a little anxious to introduce the stories to Henry. I had decided years ago to hold off showing him any of the movies or telling him any real details of the story until we could read the books together. I know he will likely hear spoilers over time, but I just wanted to experience that first walk into the magical world with him, through the first book.  I wasn't sure he was ready, but thought with the illustrated pictures to go along with the story he might get hooked. Plus, I just couldn't wait any longer.  But deep down, I sorta worried he wouldn't find the magic quite as...well... magical has his Mama.

We are now over half way through the Sorcerer's Stone, and apparently I had nothing to worry about.  He talks about the book constantly.  When we are reading, he will regularly have me pause so he can get up and act out what happened. I told him to hold on so we could keep reading and he said "but I love it so much, I just need to get it out!" as he pretends to be playing Quidditch, nearly being shaken from his broom, then catching the snitch in his mouth.

When we get to the end of a chapter, he begs for more.  Half way through a section, he will ask me to go back and find a specific picture so he can visualize it all better in his head.

He is constantly making predictions of what he thinks will happen "Snape is DEFINITELY working with Voldemort!" he says, and I smile to myself. 

*****

"What book do we find out why Snape is so mean to Harry?" he asks, as we read about Snape again taking points from Gryffindor.

"I am not telling." I say, and smile again.

*****

And the love is moving beyond our evening reading time. He was playing Mario Maker the other day and I hear him say "Mama, do you want to come play me level? I named it Harry Potter. See, they are playing Quidditch! And there's Voldemort!

 *****
Laying in bed at night, he says "Mama, I really think I might be a wizard. I can feel it."

"You might be, sweetie.  They keep magic a secret from muggle families until the kids are 11. You might get your letter. We just have to wait and see."

"I am going to get it. I just know it."

 And all I can think is, I really hope so.

****

 My plan was to wait to read book two until the illustrated version is released.  Now, I am not sure we can wait that long. After we finish book one we will watch the movie, then I figured we could work our way through Pottermore... maybe listen to the first audio book. I am not sure how far I can stretch book one before I have to read him book two.  Maybe not for him as much, but for me. Because watching the magic come alive in his eyes is just everything I always hoped it would be. And I am not sure I can wait a year to see it again.

 

The Perfect Amount of Snow...

So since my last post we got more snow.  Not the three feet some areas got, but we still ended up with enough to sideline our city for the weekend. Henry ended up with three snow days and we managed to spend the entire weekend doing basically nothing at all. I mean, besides cooking, Lego building, reading, playing in the snow, watching sports, taking naps... you know, the usual for snowy weekends. Honestly, it was all sorta perfect.

Here are a few pictures from the weekend. Hopefully there will be more normal blogging around here soon, but for today, let's look at pictures.

Catching snowflakes

"Mama, send this to Nana!"

So. Much. Snow.

The back yard view.

Other weekend shots... someone is wanting to learn to play music. I think we may start with piano, but gotta look into some lessons first!

Playing all the Christmas board games

And putting together several of the Christmas Lego sets. The fact that there are still more to do highlights how many Lego sets this kid has.... Although this space shuttle is one of my all time favorites.

Today school was on a two hour delay, but for the most part we are back to regular life. 

 

Snow Day

So today is our first snow day of the year. It was actually one of those dangerus days where it was supposed to basically start snowing around the time school starts and then snow all day. You  never know how those days are going to go.  Will they call it as a precaution? Will they send them and dismiss early?  Will they keep them out of school and then we get like four flakes of snow?? IT'S A MYSTERY!

Turns out they decided to call it as a precaution and they totally made the right decision.

 I mean, that pile of snow is a little misleading.... it is what we shoveled off the sidewalks, but STILL.

 Completely worthy of a snow day.

of course, there is now more snow moving in for Friday morning so we may or may not be home the rest of the week.  Not that I am complaining. I never get tired of being home with this kiddo.

Today is also my Aunt Jan's birthday, and I haven't updated around here in awhile on how she is doing, so now seems like as good of time as any.  She is back in Kentucky, which is wonderful. She did several weeks in an inpatient rehabilitation place and was on the cusp of going home (SHOCKING BUT TRUE! They work miricales at those places) then things started to go down hill. Turns out she had an infection which they just could not kick with antibiotics. She had to go back in for another surgery to clean out in incision. She has been in ICU for nearly a week. She is now ready to head BACK to the rehab center for at least a little while. Hopefully she will be home soon.  She has been in wonderful hands and we are all so greatful for the care she has received. Now, to get her home!

Liz went over to the hospital today to visit so we got to get some quality time with Wesley.  I love having these two boys together!